FIFA bans Iranian women, citing “safety”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/united/olympics-2012-fifa-bans-headscarves-for-irans-women-soccer-team/2011/06/06/AGzT1JKH_story.html

FIFA has decided that Iranian women playing soccer should not be allowed to wear head scarves, citing “safety”.

Effectively this means Iranian women cannot compete internationally.  This is a shame.  While I have no particular affection for head scarves, citing them as a safety issue seems to be just a cover for the real, understandable issue of hostility towards the current Iranian government.  I feel sorry for the athletes.